APRIL  2005 ) This is an extraordinary journey into Bhutan , the fabled land of the Thunder Dragon. You will experience week-end bazaars and Bhutanese hospitality at its finest. The highlight of this trip is the Ura Valley Tsechu. Tsechus are local festival dances that are medieval in nature, spiritual in content and laced with an exotic array of color too breathtaking to behold

18 April:   Arrive Paro from KTM, Drive to  Thimphu

Fly onboard Druk Air to Paro , Bhutan . On a clear day the panoramic views of the Himalaya are sensational, including Everest, but particularly exciting is the approach through the Bhutanese foothills and the landing, including a few steep turns to land at the tiny airstrip of Paro. On arrival, after completing formalities, you will be met by windhorse representative and transferred to Thimphu (2 hrs).
Hotel Wangchuk

19 April: Thimphu sightseeing

There are a good many things to see in the capital which has a very relaxed, laid-back feel about it. Thimphu is relatively small, no traffic lights and the streets are wide and tree lined. The most important sights include; the national library, thangkha painting school, traditional medicine hospital, nunnery at Zilukha, Memorial stupa, gold and silver smith's workshop, handicraft centers. Try also a cup of coffee in the Swiss Bakery ! Hotel Wangchuk

20 April:  Drive to Jakar (Bumthang)

This is a long day's drive of 9-10 hours but it is a journey you are not likely to forget. The road winds over high mountain passes and the scenery is certainly stunning. We make occasional stops in the course of the journey to take incursion into the roadside villages, temples, weaving centers and any special events that may be taking place.
Mountain Lodge.

21 April: Jakar - URA FESTIVAL Mountain Lodge

Bumthang valley is one of the most sacred in the Kingdom and innumerable legends surround the area. It is here that the kings are cremated and the present royal family trace their ancestry back to the famous saint, Pemalingpa. Visits to; Jambay, Kurjey, Tamshing temples, castle of the "White Bird". Also worth seeing are the woodcraft workshop, homopaethic hospital, and the cheese factory. Mountain Lodge

22 April: Jakar ( Bumthang ) sightseeing

Leaving Jakar, we return west for some 7-8 hours, stopping to visit the Chendebje Chorten, a large white monument said to conceal the remnants of an evil spirit vanquished here. Continuing across the spectacular Pele La pass we come to Wangdue where we take a short break for tea and snacks. From Wangdue, it's a short drive to your hotel hotel (approx. 25 mins). Meri Phuensum Resort

23 April: Drive to Punakha

In the morning, we will walk to Chimi Lhakhang, the temple of Lama Drukpa Kunley , otherwise known as the divine mad monk who is one of Bhutan 's favourite saints. It is a beautiful walk across paddy fields and pass a small village. The temple can be visited and there is a tree outside which is said to have sprouted up after Drukpa Kunley sent a thunderbolt from an adjoining valley to kill some evil spirits who had gathered at the site. You may also be able to visit Punakha Dzong, depending whether or not the monks are in residence, and if they permit you to enter their monastery. Situated at the confluence of the Mo (female) and Pho (male) rivers, the large fortress with its temples, courtyards, hall and towers overlooks the town and provides excellent views. Built in 1637 it served as the seat of the government until the mid 20th century. Over the centuries it has suffered damage from several fires and flooding but still remains one of the most impressive dzongs in Bhutan. Permission to enter the dzong is not usually granted to tourist when the monk body moves here from Thimphu in winter, but
it is still worth viewing from the courtyard.  Evening drive to Thimphu (3 hours). Hotel Wangchuk

24 April: Punakha sightseeing, drive to Thimphu

In the morning drive to Paro (2hrs). Hike to the site of the famous Tiger's Nest, the Taktsang Monastery where the legendary Guru Padmasambhava is believed to have flown from Tibet on the back of a tiger to defeat the demons who were opposing the spread of Buddhism in Bhutan . The walk is long, and can be steep in places, but the views are stunning. Hotel Holiday HomE

25 April: Drive to Paro, excursion to Tiger's Nest Monastery (4hours)

Sightseeing in Paro; includes tour of Bhutan 's national museum, a fascinating place housed in an old watchtower above the huge Paro Dzong (monastery/fortress).  The museum holds a fantastic collection of Bhutanese national treasures ranging from ancient armour to textiles and thangkha paintings Then, we drive to the head of the valley and visit Drukgyel Dzong built in a location that was chosen for its control over the route to Tibet . A spectacular view of Mount. Jumolhari (23,996ft /7314m) can be seen. Hotel Holiday Home

26 April: Paro sightseeing

Early morning transfer to airport in Paro for departure flight

April 01: Thimphu - Paro (63 KM, 2 hours drive)